Paul Ajamian, OD, center director at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, was the honored Springer lecturer for 2025 at the UAB School of Optometry. His lecture reflected on the evolution of co-management in eye care and shared insights on the future of the profession.
Ajamian explored the history of co-management, a collaborative approach between optometrists and ophthalmologists that has helped redefine the role of optometry in surgical care. He described the early days of co-management, when optometrists began participating in post-operative care, and explained how that shift helped elevate the profession’s standing in medical circles.
“We’ve come a long way,” Ajamian said. “But we must continue to evolve as a primary eye care profession.”
Ajamian expressed concern about current challenges facing co-management, particularly declining reimbursement rates and the growing number of optometrists working in “vision only” settings that do not accept medical insurance.
“More and more ODs are turning their backs on post-op care,” he said. “That’s unfortunate, because many patients at our surgical practice prefer to be followed by their local optometrist rather than make frequent visits to the MD’s office.”
He emphasized the importance of relationships in optometry, with patients, peers and legislative leaders.
“Being involved in the profession is what makes it a profession and not just a job,” Ajamian said. “The camaraderie and knowledge shared at meetings is invaluable, and those connections last a lifetime.”
He also stressed the critical role of legislative advocacy. According to Ajamian, legislative connections are the lifeblood of the optometry profession. They help protect what optometrists have gained and allow for scope expansion and increased insurance coverage.
“Know your legislators by working with them on their campaigns, having them in for an eye exam so that they see what we do beyond prescribing glasses and contacts,” he said. “Practice to your full scope by appreciating the work that went into current laws and be involved in the profession so that you leave it better than you found it.”
Ajamian helped launch the American Board of Optometry, championing board certification and lifelong learning for the profession, a commitment that mirrors the values of Dr. Donald Springer, who believed deeply in the importance of continued education and professional growth.
“Board certification signals to patients and the public that you’re willing to go above and beyond, he said. “Many ODs list on their websites that they’re ‘board certified by the Alabama State Board of Optometry.’ This is licensure, not board certification, and so I challenge everyone as Dr. Springer did to take the exam and start your journey of lifelong learning!”
To conclude his lecture, Ajamian also reflected on the impact of his own residency experience, noting how it shaped the trajectory of his career. He stressed the value of optometric residencies to the audience.
“That year that you invest in yourself will pay huge dividends for the rest of your career,” he said.